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Author: Aidan Clark

Golden Tempo Wins the Final Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Sports.

Golden Tempo running in the 2026 Belmont Stakes at
Saratoga Race Course. Photo courtesy of NYRA.

For the third and final year of the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course, Golden Tempo took first place on Saturday, June 6. Trainer Cherie DeVaux, born in Saratoga Springs, becomes the first and only woman to train a winner of multiple Triple Crown races.

Golden Tempo turned heads at the Kentucky Derby, earning first place at 23-1 odds. Owner Daisy Phipps Pulito said after the race, “Obviously, there were doubters after the Derby, like Cherie said, we were very confident with the kind of horse we had going into the Derby and going into the Belmont. I’m glad everyone else got to see that today, too.”

Owner Phillips Pulito and Trainer DeVaux decided not to run Golden Tempo in the Preakness, the second race of the prestigious Tripple Crown. “I do think we made the right decision. I don’t think we’d have the same horse if we did run back in two weeks,” said DeVaux. 

Atop Golden Tempo was seasoned jockey Jose Ortiz, who holds a personal Triple Crown. Ortiz won the Kentucky Derby/Kentucky Oaks double and his second career Belmont Stakes this year.  Speaking on Ortiz’s knowhow, DeVaux said, “Jose found himself at the back of the pack, but he was going to be wide if he didn’t tuck in, which I was pleased with that. Jose just rode him super confidently. He knew he had a lot of horse under him, and at the top of the stretch, he had him in a position to make that run, and Golden Tempo did the rest.” 

For the final showing of the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga, it seems fitting a connection to the prestigious racecourse. As for what’s next for Golden Tempo, “Obviously, the Travers is going to be our next big goal,” said DeVaux. “he’s going to have to take a step forward. And he proved that. So, he’s a horse that we are very excited about.”

“Angels Among Us: The Healing Power of Racehorses” New Film by Local Director

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Entertainment, Featured.

James Stewart With Butters. Photo provided by Brendan Kennedy

SARATOGA SPRINGS —
Local director John Wager and Executive producer Jay Hanley are gearing up to premier their new film, “Angels Among Us: The Healing Power of Racehorses” at film festivals. The film dives into how racehorses can be an unlikely companion after their racing days, helping people from all walks of life deal with personal battles. 

“Angels Among Us” comes from leftover footage of Wager and Hanley’s previous film, “Off-Track: Fate of a Racehorse,” after they realized there was a different story to tell. “Off-Track is about the need to take care of the horses after they are done racing, Angels Among Us is about how the horses take care of us,” said Hanley. 

Hanley is a Thoroughbred owner who got involved with “Off-Track” because he wanted to learn more about what happens to racehorses after their career ends. His affiliation for racehorses began in his youth when his grandfather took him to Saratoga Race Course every summer. “Horses are beautiful, magical beings, I want current horse owners to see it and respect it.”

Wager has a history of exploring different avenues of healing. He previously directed a movie called “Comedy Warriors,” a documentary featuring five severely wounded war veterans who go onto careers in stand-up comedy. The veterans are coached by celebrities like Zach Galifianakis and Bob Saget and culminate with the veterans performing at comedy clubs in Las Vegas.

When Wager was asked why he is drawn to ways of healing, he said: “Life is hard, life is amazing and wonderful, you have dips. As we go through life, we find things that help us. That fascinates me, it’s not tangible.”

“Angels Among Us” follows three people aided by horses; Joan Perelta, an incarcerated individual in the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation second chance program, Emma Cookman, a young woman dealing with stress and anxiety, and James Stewart, an Iraq war veteran dealing with PTSD. 

The horses help these individuals deal with whatever challenges they may be going through.

In the case of Stewart, he came home from combat in Iraq to a divorce and a life he did not recognize prior to going overseas. Meeting Butters, a horse with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, gave Stewart a second chance at life.

“Had I not come to Saratoga in 2013 I would not be free. But because of being paired with Butter I am free,” Stewart said in the film. 

“I wish I could show my friends this film, you don’t have to be angry, you don’t have to drink,” said Stewart. “I can only hope someday that someone can pick up the ball and start a program like this, there are thousands of us that need a horse.”

Jeanne O’Connor to Premier New Album, “The Sweetest Sounds” at Caffe Lena 

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Entertainment.

Jeanne O’Connor. Photo by Janis Wilkins

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Local Saratoga Springs artist, Jeanne O’Connor, is set to premiere her new jazz album “The Sweetest Sounds” at Caffe Lena on Friday, July 3. During the sneak peek, CDs will be available ahead of an early 2027 release on streaming services. 

Joining O’Connor on stage is guitarist Dave Stryker, drummer Bob Halek, bassist Todd Coolman, pianist John Di Martino and vocalist Amy London.

O’Connor started conceptualizing this album during her second fight with cancer in 2023. After enduring her battle, she was able to get into the studio in May of 2025 to start recording. 

“Medianoche (for Don)” the second song off her sophomore album is a tribute to her late husband, Don Grolnick. Grolnick is a legend of the jazz world, who recorded with greats like James Taylor and Linda Rondstadt. 

This album represents O’Connor’s continuing search for new sounds that bring old works into a new life. “I’m looking back, but I’m also looking forward to what’s still waiting to be discovered. To find something new in the harmony, the lyric, or the rhythm of these wonderful songs,” says O’Connor.

Audience members will be able to hear songs from the ’40s, like “My Ship” and “Baltimore Oriole,” alongside ’60s hits like Laura Nyro’s “Save the Country” and Jimmy Webb’s “Wichita Lineman” in a new style presented by O’Connor. 

In anticipation of her performance at Caffe Lena, O’Connor remarks, “It is one of the jewels of Saratoga. A place where they really appreciate musicians and artists; a place where people listen.” For tickets and more information, visit: caffelena.org/event/jeanne-oconnor-the-sweetest-sounds-exclusive-pre-release-concert/.

Meredith Motors Expands, Adding Service Department

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Business.

Gould Brothers. Photo: Media Ridge

BALLSTON SPA —Meredith Motors has been slowly expanding over the last 10+ years at their location in Ballston Spa. Most recently they introduced a service department to their used car lot.

The Gould brothers graduated from SUNY Courtland with degrees in physical education. After graduation they realized their degrees didn’t suit their ambitions. Jeff Gould got his first job as a used car manager at Mohawk Honda and after leaving that position, started his own business. 

They bought the lot where Meredith Motors sits off Route 67 back in 2012. At that time a rental property sat adjacent to the car lot. When the rental property burned down in 2017, they decided to expand the lot to consume the area where the house had sat. Slow and steady growth is the name of the game for the Gould brothers. 

Last year Meredith Motors added a service department for their customers. “We are not here to gouge people. If it’s not broken, we won’t fix it,” said Gould.

As the doors open to new service customers, Gould remains clear on what won’t change. “We’re growing, but we’re not changing who we are,” he says. “Whether someone is buying a car or coming in for brake work, the goal is the same: honest service, fair pricing, and a relationship they can rely on.”

Mother Turns Her Passion into a Business 

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Business.

Cloud Nine Balloons. Photo by Yulya Gron

Yulya Gron, a stay-at-home mom, had found herself making elaborate balloon decorations for her son’s second birthday party. She realized that she had a knack for balloon garlands. Gron started Cloud Nine Balloons to offer personalized balloon decorations for all types of events. 

“What started as a hobby decorating birthday parties for my two sons quickly grew into a passion,” said Gron. “I discovered how much I love creating beautiful celebrations and helping people make their important moments feel extra special.”

“Whether you need a simple grab-and-go garland or a full event setup, I work closely with each client to create custom designs that fit their style, vision, and budget,” said Gron.

For more information contact: cloudnineballoons518@gmail.com

Medbery Spa Under New Ownership

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Business.

BALLSTON SPA — Local resident, Jennifer Comstock, is the new owner of Medbery Spa located on Front Street in Ballston Spa. She will celebrate its grand reopening on Friday, June 26, with a ribbon cutting.

After two decades in sales and manufacturing jobs with General Electrics and Regeneron, Comstock experienced burnout in her corporate roles. “I put my all into everything, I was looking for something more fulfilling,” said Comstock. 

Comstock will take over the administrative tasks of the business and is looking to revitalize and offer new amenities at Medbery Spa.

New to the Spa is a new line of skin care products, Onda – meaning wave in multiple languages. The line was created in collaboration with skincare professionals and estheticians to focus on hydration, nourishment, skin barrier support, and healthy aging.

 Also, the Spa will offer Tub Club, a monthly subscription where customers can enjoy a weekly mineral soak. 

The water for the mineral soak comes from the San Souci Springs in Ballston Spa, only available at the Medbery Spa and Wiswall Park across the street. 

“I would love for people to see a spa day as wellness and self-care rather than a treat,” said Comstock. “Taking care of yourself is not something to feel guilty about.”

Saratoga Central Catholic Goes Back-to-Back in Section 2 Class C Titles

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

Saints Win Section 2 Class C Title (Photo by Aidan Clark)

The reigning baseball Class C State Champions, Saratoga Central Catholic, won the Section 2 Class C title on Wednesday, May 27. The Saints only needed seven innings to beat Maple Hill in a 2-0 shutout win.

Runs from captains Luke Dejnozka and Pierce Bryne secured the win as Bryne’s pitching held the Maple Hill batters to only 2 hits all game. Highlights from the game include a double play by Joey Lindner in the first inning to get runners out at second and first. Second baseman Sandy McDonald made a spectacular sliding play on a ground ball hit to shallow right field just in time to get the runner out at first base in the third inning. 

The Saints improved their record to 20-3 on the season and will play Chapel Field Christian in the regional championship round on Saturday, June 6. 

Head Coach, Alphonse Lambert, in his 38th season is looking to lead the Saints to back-to-back State Championships. When Coach Lambert was hired in 1988, he was the youngest high school baseball head coach in New York State history at 22-years-old. Prior to Coach Lambert’s tenure, Saratoga Central Catholic baseball had never won a playoff game. 

Boasting a 75%-win percentage over his reign as head coach, Coach Lambert’s appointment changed the trajectory of the Saint’s baseball program. 

In 2000, Coach Lambert led the Saints to the Class C final but fell short to Falconer High School that day. Last year Coach Lambert and the players etched their name in Saint’s baseball history, winning the 2025 Class C State Championship. After getting over the hump, can the Saints repeat the feat?

Galway Softball Wins Section 2 Class C Title, Title Since 1988

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

Galway varsity softball won its first Section 2 Class C title on Saturday, May 30, their first section title since 1988. The top-seeded Galway Golden Eagles prevailed against the number two ranked Greenwich Witches in a 10-7 win. The Golden Eagles got over the hump this year to end their championship drought after falling short to Stillwater last year in the championship game. 

Courtney Smith had a standout performance with four RBIs and one home run. At the mound, Emma Menge allowed only two earned runs throughout the game. 

Galway softball continues their run to the State Championship on Friday, June 5 at 4:30 p.m. against Ticonderoga at Plattsburgh High School. Ticonderoga is going into this game with a 17-1 record, and Galway a 19-3 record. 

Saratoga Blue Streaks Baseball and Softball Win Section 2 Titles

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

The reigning Class AAA baseball champion, Saratoga Springs, defended their Section 2 title on Tuesday night, June 2. The series was tied going into game three, but a dominant performance from Shea Crotty on the mound allowed the Blue Streaks to outlast the Wolf Pack. Saratoga won 3-1 with Crotty only allowing 2 hits from the Colonie batters. 

On Monday, June 1, Saratoga Springs Softball beat Shenendehowa to win the Section 2 Class AAA title. This is their third Section 2 title in five years. Saratoga came into this game as the fifth seed, ousting top seeded Shenendehowa 10-8. The Blue Streaks move onto the regional championship round, playing Cicero-North on Friday June 5, at Carrier Park. 

The Saratoga Schools have pulled off a clean sweep as Saratoga Central Catholic, and Saratoga Springs baseball and softball have all won Section 2 titles. 

9th Annual SPAC Festival of Young Artists Celebrates the Next Generation of Artists in the Capital District

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Entertainment.

Finale Performance
(Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet)
“Cornfield”
(Victoria Jones)

On May 31, Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) hosted its ninth annual Festival of Young Artists (FOYA) inviting artists from around the Capital District to showcase their talents. SPAC’s education initiative is “rooted in the belief that the arts support wellbeing and strengthen connection. Our work is designed to foster creativity, confidence, and a true sense of belonging for individuals and families across our region.” FOYA gives students invested in the arts a chance to perform and connect with students across school districts.

This year’s FOYA theme was “Seasons,” students were given the prompt: “Nature moves through cycles of growth, transformation, reflection, and renewal, and so do we. Each season brings its own mood and meaning, shaping both the world around us and the landscapes within us.” Students were invited to submit visual, literary, and performing arts relating to the cycles of the seasons. 

SPAC highlighted students across three disciplines of the arts with “outstanding awards.” Victoria Jones, Saratoga Springs High School, won the outstanding award for visual arts for her painting, “Cornfield” (pictured below). Fatemeh Sima Amiri, Shaker High School, won the outstanding award for literary art for her poem, “The Fifth Season.” The Capital District Arts Initiative won the outstanding award for performing arts for their dance “Epilogue.” To view the long list of submissions across all disciplines, go to spacfoya.org.

Student performances took place on the amphitheater stage and across tents set up across SPAC’s grounds. An art show exhibited digital, painted, and photography submissions. The festival culminated in a final performance on the amphitheater stage combining the Empire State Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Capital District Youth Chorale, Shenendehowa High School Choraliers. The performance featured a choreographed dance performance from the Saratoga Springs Youth Ballet. It was a beautiful display of the arts by students across the Capital Region.

SPAC School of the Arts offers opportunities for people of all ages to have access to the arts. Visit spac.org/education/school-of-the-arts/ for more information and to register for classes.